Northern Ireland

Carrickfergus left 'numb' as eight-year-old girl killed in collision

Scarlett Rossborough died in a road collision in Carrickfergus
Scarlett Rossborough died in a road collision in Carrickfergus Scarlett Rossborough died in a road collision in Carrickfergus
By Paul Ainsworth

Floral tributes have been laid after an eight-year-old girl died following a road crash in Carrickfergus.

Scarlett Rossborough, who is from the Larne area, was among a group of children who were visiting the Co Antrim town.

Another child was taken to hospital following the incident at about 11.40am yesterday for treatment to injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.

Floral tributes, a teddy bear and messages of support for Scarlett's family have been left at the site of the tragedy.

A card signed by PSNI Larne and Carrickfergus read: "Thinking of you and wishing only peace and comfort. We are truly sorry for your loss."

Another message, which was not signed, read: "New bright shining star is in the sky. Fly high little angel. God bless."

The scene of the collision remained cordoned off throughout Wednesday, before later reopening to motorists and pedestrians.

Flowers and tributes at the scene in the High Street area of Carrickfergus in Co Antrim after an eight-year-old girl died and another child was taken to hospital after a serious road collision. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Flowers and tributes at the scene in the High Street area of Carrickfergus in Co Antrim after an eight-year-old girl died and another child was taken to hospital after a serious road collision. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire Flowers and tributes at the scene in the High Street area of Carrickfergus in Co Antrim after an eight-year-old girl died and another child was taken to hospital after a serious road collision. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Officers attended together with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance but sadly Scarlett passed away at the scene."

They added: “An investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances of the collision, and we are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have any dash-cam or mobile phone footage, to contact officers in the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 684 of 09/08/23."

A spokesperson for the NI Ambulance Service said four emergency crews were despatched to the scene following the incident.

"Following initial assessment and treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by Ambulance to Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children," they added.

East Antrim UUP MLA John Stewart told the Irish News: "Myself and the town of Carrickfergus have been left numb at this tragic news.

"My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone here are with the families of all those involved, and we are praying hard for the young boy to make a speedy recovery.

"I would also like to thank members of the emergency services for their swift response to today's awful events."

Mid and East Antrim mayor Gerardine Mulvenna said: “Our hearts are broken.

“The tragic death of eight-year-old Scarlett Rosborough in Carrickfergus has plunged our borough into mourning.

“I am praying for Scarlett’s family, and for the second youngster who was injured in the same incident to make a full recovery.

“At times like these, there are no words that can adequately reflect the huge sense of loss and pain being felt by loved ones."

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Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly said: "Words are little consolation at this time but my deepest and most sincere condolences go out to the family of Scarlett.

“To lose a loved one at such a young age is nothing other than an absolute tragedy and I can’t even begin to comprehend the pain they will be experiencing at this time. There is a sense of shock in the local community today following this tragedy."